The Newly Built 32-km Stretch Will Help Decongest the GST Road and ECR Stretch

The Tamil Nadu government is planning a 32-km greenfield road between Madurantakam and Tambaram to address mounting traffic congestion on the Grand Southern Trunk (GST) Road. The new route will connect Karunguzhi on GST Road with Poonjeri on East Coast Road (ECR), offering a faster alternative for vehicles heading towards the southern and eastern parts of the city.

As was announced earlier, the Tamil Nadu Road Development Company (TNRDC) was entrusted with executing this project as a Public-Private Partnership venture. The authorities pointed out that the GST stretch, especially Chengalpattu to Tindivanam, has got heavy traffic on it with even PCUs amounting to above 65,000 units during the day. On the Tambaram-Tindivanam stretch, traffic reaches nearly one million PCUs, causing delays and rising air pollution.

“To alleviate congestion, traffic can be diverted before Chengalpattu via a new connection from Karunguzhi to Poonjeri,” a TNRDC official stated. This shift will allow vehicles to bypass crowded sections of GST Road and Tambaram, significantly reducing travel time.

Although an existing 31-km road connects Karunguzhi to the proposed Chennai Peripheral Ring Road (CPRR) near Manamathi, it is inadequate for heavy traffic due to its narrow width and limited right of way. Additionally, major infrastructure upgrades, such as a bridge over the Palar River and bypasses, are required. “Given these challenges, a greenfield alignment is being considered,” the official added.

To advance the project, TNRDC has issued a tender to appoint consultants for a detailed feasibility report. This new road will also enhance access to Mamallapuram, a prominent tourist destination while reducing carbon emissions and fuel consumption.

This proposal aligns with other infrastructure initiatives by the highways department, including the six-laning of ECR between Akkarai and Thiruvanmiyur, an elevated road from Tidal Park Junction to Uthandi, and a feasibility study for a sea-link road from Lighthouse to Kottivakkam on ECR.

Once completed, the project is expected to provide seamless connectivity and improve overall transportation efficiency in the region.